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IWJ joins Ignatian Solidarity Network at Conference

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November 21, 2014

By Lucas Fletcher

The Ignatian Solidarity Network is a national social justice network that works in partnership with Jesuit and other Catholic institutions to promote leadership and advocacy among students and alumni. More than 1,500 student leaders from Jesuit education institutions attended the 2014 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D.C. This annual conference helps cements solidarity and unity among the "Ignatian Family".

The conference features a series of workshops and keynote speakers, followed by an Advocacy Day, where student leaders meet with their respective congressional representatives to advocate on behalf of social justice issues. On Monday, Nov. 17, Teach-In participants went to Capitol Hill and voiced their concern over humane comprehensive immigration reform among other issues.

When asked about her experience at the Teach-In one participant said “the experience overall was challenging and humbling among other things. I think everyone's experience and take away was completely differently depending on where they are in their journey."

Interfaith Worker Justice hosted a table the conference, to talk with students about the issues facing low-wage and immigrant workers and how faith communities are involved in local communities and at the national level. Interested in learning more about IWJ's student programs? Learn more here.

Another participant said “It was my fifth time participating, and I've always appreciated the passionate speakers and energy that each presenter brings to the experience. I am thankful for the opportunity to host a networking session with other Jesuit university leaders to discuss ways on how to institutionally support undocumented students in HigherEd.”

This tradition highlights how the Jesuit community in the U.S. has been able to work together across hundreds of institutions to promote and advocate on behalf of social justice issues. The Ignatian Solidarity Network is an example of how faith can bring communities together in the pursuit of positive change.